Phăn′taṣm, n.

(făn′tazm), n. [See FANTASM.] 1. An image formed by the mind, and supposed to be real; an imaginary existence which seems to be real; a shadowy or airy appearance;—sometimes, an optical illusion; a dream. All the interim is Like a phantasm, or a hideous dream. Shak. 2. That which appears to the mind; a mental image or representation of a real object; a transcript in the memory of a mental image formed by the imagination or phantasy. You will discover figures or little features of which the description had produced in you no phantasm or expectation. Bp. Taylor.